CAE Writing Test 4: green spaces, a student magazine and lost property
CAE Writing Test 4 is a free C1 Advanced Writing practice test: two tasks in 90 minutes, 220–260 words each, marked on Cambridge’s four criteria. You discuss improvements to public green spaces, then choose a proposal for a student magazine, a letter about networking or a report on a lost-property return system.
- Free, no sign-up to start
- Layout modelled on the computer-based exam
- Estimated Cambridge English Scale score
What is in CAE Writing Test 4
| Question | Task | What you write about |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Essay | Which changes would most improve the use of public green spaces? |
| 2 | Proposal | Your college has funding to launch a monthly student magazine, but only a small team of volunteers will be available to produce it |
| 3 | Letter | You recently attended a networking event for people beginning careers in your area of work or study |
| 4 | Report | A local recreation centre has tested a new system for recording lost property and returning it to its owners |
Question 1: essay (compulsory)
Your class has listened to a discussion about changes that could encourage people to make better use of public green spaces. You have made the notes below.
Which changes would most improve the use of public green spaces?
Possible improvements considered:
- clearer paths and entrances
- a wider range of organised activities
- more comfortable places to sit
- “A park is not useful if people cannot move around it easily.”
- “Activities give people a reason to visit.”
- “Sometimes people simply need somewhere pleasant to pause.”
Write an essay for your tutor discussing two of the points in your notes. You should explain which of these you consider more important in the situation described, giving reasons for your opinion. You may use the opinions expressed in the discussion, but use your own words as far as possible.
CAE essay guide →Questions 2, 3, 4: choose one
2. Proposal
Your college has funding to launch a monthly student magazine, but only a small team of volunteers will be available to produce it. The college director has asked you for a proposal. Recommend the sections the magazine should contain and explain their appeal, suggest how to attract contributions from students, and describe an editing process that would make regular publication manageable. Write your proposal.
CAE proposal guide →3. Letter
You recently attended a networking event for people beginning careers in your area of work or study. The organiser, Mr Daniel Costa, has invited feedback before planning the next event. Write a letter explaining which features helped participants make useful professional connections and which were less successful. Recommend two changes that would improve the experience for people attending on their own, and justify your recommendations. Write your letter.
CAE letter guide →4. Report
A local recreation centre has tested a new system for recording lost property and returning it to its owners. As a volunteer who helped operate the system, you have been asked to write a report for the centre director. Assess how well the system served visitors, explain any problems with recording or collecting belongings, and recommend whether and how it should continue. Write your report.
CAE report guide →Marking and review notes
CAE Writing marking
Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation and Language, 0–5 each: 40 marks for two texts. Our expert evaluation gives an estimate; 24/40 is about 180.
From our review
Our reviewer noted that the Part 2 letter has four content demands, which is heavy for 220–260 words. Plan the paragraphs before you start.
More CAE Writing tests
CAE Writing practice tests · CAE Mock Test 4 · Updated 15 November 2026
Ready for CAE Writing Test 4?
90 minutes. Free, no sign-up to start: you give an email address when you submit, and we email you when your expert evaluation is ready to view.